Kiwi Runner - Thanks so much. I'm still kind of walking (limping actually) on air today.

Namtor - I'm ready for a milk shake run about now!

LRB - Thanks for the comments about the splits. Regarding pacers, I've run with them 3 times now. In my first marathon last year and also in a HM last spring. The best experience by far was with the first marathon. That guy ran rock solid even splits from start to finish. Of course it helps that it was a seaside course that was completely flat! When I run my next marathon I'm going to try and go it alone from the start.

vwaldoguy, April, B-Plus - Thanks!

Pinktastic, Zelanie, AmiK - After giving it some thought, I can't really fault the pacer too much. He didn't run it the way I wanted him to, but he got quite a few people across the finish line within a minute of their goal time. I relied on him a lot from miles 13-20. I'm glad I got the chance to thank him after the race.

Sparker - I get the feeling that you want to give it a go? The journey is really worth taking if you are willing to risk it.

She Can - The injury frustrated me but maybe it was what I needed? The Achilles didn't bother me at all during the race.

I think what you did is run right on the ragged edge and I love seeing stuff like that. No matter how you train, those last few miles will always be really, really hard if you are going all out. Way to hang in there.

Short term goal: 17:59 5K

Mid term goal: 2:54:59 marathon

Long term goal:To say I've been a runner half my life. (I started running at age 45).